Craignethan Castle

Craignethan Castle: A ruined castle located above the River Nethan. Built in the first half of the 16th century, Craignethan is recognised as an early example of a sophisticated artillery fortification. The rectangular keep measures 21m by 16m, and was originally of two storeys plus an attic. Attic and roof are now gone, but the walls are complete up to decorative corbels which supported a parapet walk. The inner courtyard measures 49m by 25m, with walls strengthened by rectangular towers at each corner. The outer court was less heavily defended than the inner, and was added in the 1540s. Legend has it that the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots minus her head, which was removed at her execution haunts Craignethan.